Friday, 13 December 2013

The beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra mid-day meal in Puri counter the general perception of a remote region. More often than not, remote places are perceived as ‘not so civilised’ and backward areas. Such places are also thought to have less literate crowd who are aware of the rapidly changing society. But, this 8-year-old child from Brahmanpada Project Upper Primary School, Satyabadi— a village about 25 kms from Puri, defies the general impression.

Runiguru, studying in Standard III is a highly disciplined child. She is also one of the beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra mid-day meal. Even though her school is located in an extremely remote area, the children of this school are as disciplines as those of private schools. This proves that education is a possibility in remote locations too and that it just requires determination and planning to reach the generations at the grass root level. Akshaya Patra, an operational NGO in Puri provides mid-day meal to this school and feels contented to be able to reach to this school through the narrow roads. Logistically, on this route there are no other school where this NGO in Puri has to deliver mid-day meal, yet the NGO is determined to feed these children in Puri.

Talking specifically about Runiguru, all her four siblings too are beneficiaries of Akshaya Patra mid-day meal. Her English teacher Rabinarayan Mohanty says, due to lack of nutritious food, Runiguru seemed malnourished when she joined school but after having the wholesome mid-day meal provided by Akshaya Patra, she is far more healthy now. He goes on to add that the mid-day meals are like a boon to these children and their parents too. These children hail from economically backward families and the families are unable to meet even the basic necessities, leave alone a nutritious meal.

Runiguru’s aspiration is a testimony of your donations for children in Puri. A tender age, no doubt, but she says, “I want to serve needy people” when asked about her ambition. Her aspiration is well comprehended and thus she was very clear when she uttered it. Literature is her favourite subject. She is very fond of paneer (cottage cheese) that is served in the mid-day meal.

There are many children like Runiguru, who despite residing in remote areas knows the value of education and food. Your donation for children like Runiguru sure will help in benefitting them in more than one way. Your donation for children will help this NGO in Puri to further their reach in providing mid-day meals to many more talented and determined children in Puri. Donate today and make a difference by providing one wholesome meal to these children. To know more about the Foundation visit, www.akshayapatra.org. Click here Annual Report to get an overview of the Financial Year 2012-13.